The American Red Cross North Carolina Region has opened a shelter in Swannanoa due to incoming heavy rain and area flooding associated with Hurricane Helene.
The shelter opened at 10:30 p.m. and will be available to individuals and families who need assistance — operated in coordination with Buncombe County emergency management and Buncombe County Health and Human Services.
Additionally, the Red Cross is supporting a shelter that has opened for those needing assistance in the McDowell area. The Red Cross continues working closely with emergency management and government officials in impacted areas.
Shelter location:
First Baptist Swannanoa
503 Park Street
Swannanoa, NC 28778
Glenwood Baptist Church
155 Glenwood Baptist Church Road
Marion, NC 28752
“We’re expecting a lot of rain and flooding over the next few days and we want the community to know that we’re ready to help,” said Jerri Goldberg, Executive Director, Western North Carolina Chapter, American Red Cross North Carolina. “We’re very happy and thankful that our community partner, First Baptist Swannanoa, has opened their doors to help those displaced by any flooding, and we encourage everyone to stay safe and to reach out to us if you need assistance.”
Shelter locations, as well as weather alerts and preparedness tips can also be found by downloading our Emergency app.
Individuals evacuating to a Red Cross shelter should bring essential items for each member of their family, including:
- Prescription and emergency medications
- Foods that meet special dietary requirements
- Extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies and other comfort items
- Chargers for any electronic devices
- Books, games and other forms of entertainment
If you are in need of Red Cross assistance, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
All Red Cross assistance is provided free of charge and made possible by the generosity of the public. To donate to Red Cross Disaster Relief and help people affected by disasters big and small, visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
The Red Cross wants those in the impacted communities to be mindful when returning home or out and about in the area and provides the following safety tips:
- Never drive through a flooded roadway. You cannot predict how deep the water may be.
- Stay away from storm-damaged areas to keep from putting yourself at risk from the effects of severe thunderstorms.
- Continue to listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or to local radio and television stations for updated information or instructions, as access to roads or some parts of the community may be blocked.
- Help people who may require special assistance, such as infants, children and the elderly or disabled.
- Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately.
- Watch your animals closely. Keep them under your direct control.